Nova Bus has introduced its new fully electric bus, the LFSe+, at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) TRANSform Conference in New York City.
The LFSe+ was built on the Nova Bus LFS platform and is designed to be just as reliable, according to the company. Nova Bus says the LFSe, on which the new LFSe+ is modeled, was the first electric bus in the industry to pass the full test at Altoona in June 2018.
The new LFSe+ integrates the traction motor and power electronics from BAE Systems, which uses materials such as silicon carbide to improve heat management. The lower weight and increased power density of the BAE system also contributes to bus performance and durability. Powered by an integrated modular system, the electric motor can decrease maintenance costs and emits no greenhouse gas emissions.
"For twenty years we have been helping transit fleets progress towards zero emissions, and today we bring that same durable, reliable and highly efficient performance to the fully electric LFSe+ from Nova Bus, helping transit fleets complete their journey and get to zero," said Steve Trichka, vice president and general manager of Power and Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems.
LFSe+ has a total battery capacity of 594 kWh; it can run between 211 and 292 miles before needing a charge, depending on power demands and operating conditions. The LFSe+ offers dual charging options to keep it going – OppCharge and depot charging. The common-interface OppCharge technology, developed by Volvo and partners, uses a pantograph mounted on an external infrastructure for quick charging while in service. Depot charging technology plugs directly into the bus to provide current to the battery while the bus is parked.
"We are excited to introduce our new, long-range 100 percent electric bus to our customers. This launch marks an important moment in the evolution of electric transportation in North America,” said Martin Larose, vice president and general manager, Nova Bus. “The LFSe+ is the perfect pairing of Nova Bus' proven expertise with the latest innovations in clean and sustainable technologies. We are committed to always improving our product and processes to reduce pollution and waste in every aspect of our business, and the LFSe+ is our latest demonstration of that commitment."
The two Canadian Nova Bus plants, located in Saint-Eustache and Saint-François-du-Lac in the province of Quebec, currently employs more than 1,000 people, while the Plattsburgh plant in New York has more than 300 employees.
"This announcement is a demonstration of Quebec's expertise, and Nova Bus' in particular, in the electrification of transportation,” said Minister of Economy and Innovation Pierre Fitzgibbon. “I am convinced that this new electric bus, with its dual charging options, will meet the needs of operators. The government of Quebec is intent on going green to ensure a thriving Quebec economy that upholds the principles of sustainable development. In fact, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation will be investing 80 million dollars (US$60.560 million) to fast-track the development of our clean technologies. Our goal: to make Quebec a leader in the electrification of transportation. And we will reach that goal, thanks to cutting-edge projects like Nova Bus."
U.S. Sen. Charles (Chuck) Schumer (D-NY) added, "Nova Bus's newest fleet of top-of-the-line, electric busses is a win-win-win for our environment, for the riders who seek reliable and sustainable transportation options, and for the elite 300-plus person workforce in Plattsburgh. Transit service is a lifeline for so many New Yorkers, and the launch of the LFSe+ will help to ensure they have access to the best of the best. I'll always support Nova Bus as they continue to boost the North Country economy by modernizing their fleets so commuters can have a safer, faster and cleaner rides."
